From recognising birdsong to tasting fresh honey, students from preschool to Grade 4 at Collège Champittet immersed themselves in the wonders of nature during Earth Week. Guided by birdwatching enthusiast Marc, students in Grades 1 and 2 learned to identify birds by their songs and colours, skills that will be invaluable for future Forest School outings. Meanwhile, preschoolers and Grade 4 students delved into the fascinating world of bees with beekeeper Cédric, enjoying honey tasting sessions. The older students took their learning further by making seed bombs to attract pollinators, while the younger ones crafted beeswax candles. Additionally, 1st-graders embarked on a special outing to Jorat Nature Park, where they used their five senses to explore the forest, spotting rare butterflies and tasting natural treats like hazelnuts and nettle syrup.
The week was also a platform for students to explore creative ways to protect the planet. Through storytelling and arts and crafts, they expressed their newfound knowledge. Grades 1 and 2 students hosted a breakfast for their parents to showcase their learning, while 3rd-graders engaged with the book The Wolf Who Loved Trees, participating in activities focused on waste, recycling, and planetary protection. The primary students discussed the four 'R's—Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—and applied this knowledge creatively. Some designed posters to promote planet care, now adorning the school, while others crafted musical instruments from recycled materials and performed the song 'Save Our Planet' for younger students. The Parents’ Association contributed by organizing a book exchange, emphasizing the 'reuse' principle. The week concluded with anticipation for observing butterflies emerging in the Collège Champittet garden, marking a successful blend of outdoor learning and environmental consciousness.
